Strategic Innovation Advisor

Thales people architect solutions that enable two-thirds of planes to take off and land safely. We create in-flight entertainment systems that engross 50 million fliers every year and we develop the avionics that control the world’s largest commercial aircrafts. Our simulators train the next generation of pilots for fighter jets, transporters and search and rescue helicopters. And, together, each and every member of our aerospace team makes a difference.

Strategic innovation Advisor

Irvine, California, USA (Hybrid)

Position Summary

Thales is seeking an experienced executive to join our innovation team as a Strategic Innovation Advisor. This is a part-time (25%) temporary position, ideally suited for a retired executive with proven strategic leadership experience who is looking to contribute expertise in guiding next-generation IFE product development. The role will support a small, agile innovation team by providing strategic oversight, mentoring, and cross-functional alignment as they explore, validate, and shape future product opportunities.

Key Areas of Responsibility

• Serve as a strategic advisor to the innovation team, ensuring initiatives align with broader business goals and market realities.
• Provide executive-level perspective on market trends, competitive landscape, value-based feature definition and potential growth opportunities.
• Mentor team members on strategic thinking, business modeling, and customer value creation.
• Contribute to the technical assessment and review of go-to-market strategies for emerging product concepts.
• Facilitate stakeholder alignment working hand in hand with the CTO, the VP of Products and the VP of Marketing.
• Support the team in building executive-ready presentations , business cases and customer product demonstrations.

Minimum Qualifications

• Executive-level experience (e.g., VP of Strategy, Corporate Development, or equivalent) with a track record of driving strategic growth initiatives.
• Strong knowledge of innovation frameworks, portfolio management, and market analysis.
• Proven ability to coach, mentor, and inspire teams working on early-stage ideas.
• Excellent communication and storytelling skills; able to synthesize complexity into clarity for diverse audiences.
• Comfortable working in a flexible, part-time capacity (approx. 25%).

Special Position Details

• Temporary role (3 months, with potential extensions based on need).
• Part-time commitment (~25%), flexible scheduling.
• Hybrid work with occasional presence in our Irvine, CA facility.

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This position will require successfully completing a post-offer background check. Qualified candidates with [a] criminal history will be considered and are not automatically disqualified, consistent with federal law, state law, and local ordinances.

We are an equal opportunity employer, including disability and veteran status. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you need an accommodation or assistance in order to apply for a position with Thales, please contact us at talentacquisition@us.thalesgroup.com.

The reference Total Target Compensation (TTC) market range for this position, inclusive of annual base salary and the variable compensation target, is between

Total Target Cash (TTC) 189,542.48 - 317,490.00 USD Annual

This reflects how companies in a similar industry and geographic region generally pay for similar jobs. This range helps the Company make pay decisions as one data point among many. Where a position falls within this range is also dependent on other factors including – but not limited to – the employee’s career path history, competencies, skills and performance, as well as the company’s annual salary budget, the customer’s program requirements, and the company’s internal equity. Thales may offer additional benefits and other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicant’s status protected by local, state, or federal law.

(For Internal candidate, if you need more information, please reach out to your HR Shared Service, 1st Point)

Thales provides an extensive benefits program for all full-time employees working 30 or more hours per week and their eligible dependents, including the following:

• Elective Health, Dental, Vision, FSA/HSA, Voluntary Life and AD&D, Whole Group Life w/LTC, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, Legal Plan, Identity Theft, and Pet Insurance
• Retirement Savings Plan after 30 days of employment with a company contribution and a match, and with no vesting period
• Company paid holidays and Paid Time Off
• Company provided Life Insurance, AD&D, Disability, Employee Assistance Plan, and Well-being Program